MLB Player News

The Astros placed Murfee (elbow) on the 15-day injured list Thursday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Murfree, whom Houston claimed off waivers from Atlanta earlier this week, isn't expected to be ready to pitch in games until late in the 2024 season -- if at all -- while he completes his recovery from the Tommy John surgery he underwent last July.

The Astros placed Dubin on the 15-day injured list Thursday with a right forearm strain, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Dubin didn't pitch in any Grapefruit League games this spring while recovering from what prior reports had described as shoulder inflammation, but the Astros are now labeling his injury as a forearm strain. The right-hander was able to face hitters earlier this week, so he could soon be ready to head out on a minor-league rehab assignment.

The Red Sox selected Rodriguez's contract from Triple-A Worcester on Thursday.

Rodriguez will open the season as the lone lefty in Boston's bullpen. He was limited to just 11 appearances last season due to a hip injury but was healthy and effective this spring.

The Pirates selected Stratton's contract from Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday.

Stratton spun seven scoreless frames this spring to win a spot in the Pirates' bullpen. The right-hander reliever is pegged for low-leverage relief innings.

The Yankees placed Kahnle (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list Thursday.

Kahnle wasn't able to pitch in any Grapefruit League games after a bout with right shoulder inflammation delayed his throwing program over the offseason and put him well behind the Yankees' other pitchers at the start of spring training. The veteran righty should be close to facing hitters if he hasn't already, but he'll likely require multiple minor-league rehab appearances before he's ready to make his 2024 debut with the Yankees.

Cronin will begin the season as part of the Marlins' bullpen.

The 26-year-old right-hander was claimed off waivers from the Astros just before the start of spring training and delivered an 11:5 K:BB through 10.2 Grapefruit League innings for the Marlins. Cronin is expected to work in lower-leverage situations, although his sinker could get him the occasional hold opportunity when Miami needs a double play.

The Brewers optioned Bukauskas to Triple-A Nasvhille on Thursday.

Bukauskas was expected to fill in as a middle reliever in Milwaukee's Opening Day bullpen, but he will instead head to Triple-A after turning in a 1.04 ERA through 8.2 spring innings. Should the Brewers run into bullpen depth issues during the season, the 27-year-old could be one of the first to earn a call back up to Milwaukee.

The Pirates selected Ryan's contract from Triple-A Indianapolis on Thursday.

Ryan won a spot in the Pirates' bullpen after allowing four runs (three earned) with a 10:4 K:BB over 7.2 innings in Grapefruit League play. He'll likely be used in middle relief.

Pearson will begin the season on the Blue Jays' 26-man roster.

The 27-year-old right-hander still has a big fastball, averaging 97.9 mph over 42.2 big-league innings last season, but Pearson only managed a 4.85 ERA and 43:18 K:BB. With Jordan Romano (elbow) and Erik Swanson (forearm) on the IL to kick off the campaign, there's a spot in the Opening Day bullpen for Pearson, but he hasn't been mentioned by manager John Schneider as a candidate to fill in for Romano in the ninth inning and will likely work in lower-leverage situations.

The White Sox placed Lambert (shoulder) on the 60-day injured list Thursday.

Lambert is recovering from a right rotator cuff strain, and though he's not expected to need surgery to address the injury, he'll still be in store for a prolonged period of rest and rehab before he's ready to pitch again. When healthy last season, Lambert served mostly in a middle-relief role for Chicago, logging three holds and one save to go along with a 5.26 ERA and 1.62 WHIP across 37.2 innings.